MANILA, Philippines — Start oil drilling in the West Philippine Sea to address fuel price hikes, senator-elect Robin Padilla said on Tuesday.
In an interview at the Senate in Pasay City, Padilla was asked what the government could do to mitigate the effects of the continuous increases in fuel prices.
“Marami pong pwede tayong gawin. Nalungkot lamang po ako noong nabalitaan ko na ‘yung inaalok natin na joint exploration sa China na sana magkaroon tayo ng pagkakataon na makapag-mosquito na rin tayo. Mosquito, ibig sabihin bumutas na rin po tayo diyan sa West Philippine Sea kasi proven na rin po ‘yan na meron talagang langis at gas doon,” he answered.
(We can do many things. I was just saddened when I heard the news about the joint exploration with China wherein we can drill the West Philippine Sea because it is proven that there are oil and gas there.)
“‘Yung akin, sana kung gusto natin talaga magkaroon ng resulta, kailangan mag-mosquito na tayo ng langis natin. Ito pong bayan natin pinaliligiran po tayo ng langis. Ang nagkakaroon lang po ng problema dito ay kung sino ang magmo-mosquito, sino ang bubutas. Sana po ay magkaisa na po tayo sa usapin na ito,” the incoming senator went on.
(For me, if we want to see results, we need to drill for oil. Our country is surrounded by oil. The only problem is who will drill it. This is something I wish we could unite around.)
The Philippines and China’s oil and gas exploration talks have been “terminated completely” upon President Rodrigo Duterte’s orders.
China is prepared to revive the discussions on oil exploration with the incoming administration of president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
READ: China looks to Bongbong Marcos to revive oil exploration talks
Effective Tuesday, gasoline and diesel costs will increase by P0.50 and P1.65 per liter. Kerosene price will also inch up by P0.10 per liter.
READ: Oil prices going up again on June 28